LOWER GWYNEDD — James Ward scored the final two touchdowns for Lansdale Catholic on Saturday afternoon, including the game-winner, and he reached the end zone three times in all for the Crusaders in their remarkable comeback victory over Cardinal O’Hara.

But maybe the most memorable play in Ward’s versatile performance was simply “the hit.”

With the Lions trying to cling to a slim 28-27 lead early in the fourth quarter, O’Hara quarterback Dashawn Darden tried to complete a pass down the seam to running back Tarron Dunbar. For an instant, Dunbar had the catch, for what would have been a crucial first down, but before he could get control, Ward raced over from his free safety position, delivered a jarring tackle, and popped the ball free.

“That was an adrenaline rush,” Ward said of his key defensive play that tilted control to the Crusaders the rest of the way.

The Crusaders got the ball back and moved the ball 70 yards in 10 plays for their first and only lead of the day. Pat Duggan’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Ward climaxed a 33-28 LC victory in what will surely be a memorable Philadelphia Catholic League contest at Wissahickon High School.

“We came back so many times today, and that was so much fun. I loved that game,” Ward said with a big smile, still catching his breath after the Crusaders’ post-game celebratory cheer. “Pat Duggan was on. He was having a great game at quarterback, hitting his receivers, and we did the rest. The O-line did a great job. Today, (Pat) had all the time in the world, and that’s what made the difference.”

Duggan’s 44-yard touchdown pass to Mike Iacono brought the Crusaders within 28-14 just before halftime. Duggan was able to get the ball just over the reach of defender Chris Colvin and into the hands of Iacono, who then raced in for the score.

After a three-yard touchdown run on toss right by Ward made it 28-21 in the third, Duggan’s accuracy was again on display when he hit Ward for a 13-yard score that tightened the margin to 28-27.

The extra-point attempt would sail wide left, but the Crusaders went ahead for good on Ward’s 22-yard catch with 6:38 to play. One more defensive stop ensured an LC victory, as the Crusaders ended a four-game losing streak and finished the regular season 5-4 (1-2 PCL 3A).

“Pat Duggan was phenomenal,” LC coach Tom Kirk said of his QB, who hit seven different receivers for 284 yards and four touchdowns. “It all starts with him. He made some terrific passes and our kids caught everything. We have a saying, ‘better than your best.’ And that’s how everybody played today.”

It was O’Hara that displayed some offensive magic early, as a 23-yard touchdown run by Thaddius Smith and a pair of TD passes by Darden, including one for 89 yards, gave the Lions (5-4, 1-2) a 21-0 lead.

But after Duggan’s 28-yard scoring throw to Joe Pinzka off play action cut it to 21-7, and after LC again got within 14 by halftime, the Crusaders felt they were starting to get control.

“In the first quarter, I think we were just shocked with the speed and the talent that they had,” said LC running back and linebacker Kevin Sabo. “We calmed down and we started getting the momentum going. We went in the locker room (at halftime) and just said ‘this is our last home game, this is Homecoming, and we need to leave it all out on the field.’ That’s exactly what we did.”

In the second half, the Crusaders plugged up the running lanes, got plenty of pressure on Darden, and delivered some key hits downfield, including the resounding one by Ward.

“That’s his job,” Kirk said. “He’s got center field, and if you can’t intercept it, let’s make sure they can’t catch it. That was a really good play by him.”

LC, which will most likely face Archbishop Wood next week, now waits for the PCL Playoff matchups to be set.